Manager Gary Carter of the U.S.A. Team looks on during the XM Satellite Radio All-Star Futures Game at PNC Park. (July 9, 2006) Photo Credit: Getty Images

JUPITER, Fla. -- Though he is unable to coach anymore while battling brain cancer, Gary Carter wouldn't miss the season opener of the Palm Beach Atlantic University team he coached the past two seasons.

The Hall of Fame catcher, who spent five of his 19 major-league seasons with the Mets, "doesn't have a lot of energy, but when it comes to baseball, he finds the energy," said his daughter, Kimmy Bloemers.

Carter arrived at Roger Dean Stadium, the spring training home of the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins, about 15 minutes before game time Thursday and exhorted his Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish to "get a win" over local rival Lynn University. "When he's on the field is when he's happiest,'' Bloemers said, "and he's here for his guys."

After receiving a standing ovation from both teams and a few hundred spectators while riding around the field in a golf cart, Carter watched a few innings with about two dozen friends, neighbors and family members before returning to his home about five miles from the stadium.